Police continue crackdown on illegal drugs across Wellington District
Police are continuing to crack down on criminals operating drug houses throughout the Wellington District.
This follows a three-day operation last week in Kapiti, Porirua and Wellington city, where 15 search warrants were
executed at addresses believed to be drug houses.
Officer in charge of the Wellington District Drug Squad Detective Inspector Darrin Thomson says 16 people were arrested
last week and face a variety of charges, including possession of Class A, B and C controlled drugs for supply, including
methamphetamine and cannabis.
"At a Churton Park address, Police located a significant hydroponics cannabis growing operation, where more than 50
cannabis plants at various stages of growth were found, valued at around $100,000. A significant amount of cash and
methamphetamine were also located, as well as offensive weapons."
Police also recovered nearly a dozen firearms at a Paraparaumu house, as well as cannabis.
"Drugs and firearms do not mix and what we found throughout the operation was of real concern to us. We'll continue to
stamp out this anti-social behaviour because we have a responsibility to protect our communities from the harm caused by
drugs."
Detective Inspector Thomson says, "It's always concerning when Police find children present at these addresses,
particularly where not only drugs, but firearms are present. We take a zero tolerance approach to this and work with the
relevant agencies to ensure these children are made safe. We have made the relevant referrals to Child, Youth and
Family, following last week's operation."
This operation follows a similar operation carried out last month, dubbed 'Operation Hunter', where around 25 people
were arrested across the Wairarapa, Upper Hutt and Wellington, facing more than 180 charges between them.
Detective Inspector Thomson urges anyone who witnesses suspicious activity or who suspects a drug house is operating in
their neighbourhood to contact their nearest Police Station or phone Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
ENDS